Chargers Free Agency: DT Bennie Logan should be prime target

Former Chiefs defensive tackle Bennie Logan is precisely the type of player the Chargers needs to address their run-stuffing woes from one season ago.

The Chargers run defense in the 2017 season was horrid as opposing teams exploited weekly. Los Angeles had the second-worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 131.1 rushing yards per game. They also gave up a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry.

Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane proved to be a non-factor in 2017. The once immoveable player seems to have grown a bit leg weary as he gets set to turn 33 years old next season and L.A. desperately needs someone who can bolster the interior part of their defensive line against the run.

At 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, Logan is not always on the stat sheet as his game is all about leverage at the point of attack. The 28-year-old has excellent athleticism for his stout build with quickness off the snap and ability to reach through blockers to get the ball carrier. It’s tough to move him off the line, and he does a great job at taking on double-teams to free up fellow teammates.

Taking a look at some film from a potential target for the Chargers in FA, DT Bennie Logan. He is an immovable force in the ground game. Defenses will almost always need 3 or more players to get him off the line of scrimmage. He is just that powerful at the point of attack. pic.twitter.com/tO0Wt2qTLL

Logan does a nice job to not allow a cutback lane by disengaging from his block, reading the play and shifting directions to stay on his feet and wrap up Rex Burkhead. Eric Berry came in to finish the play off. pic.twitter.com/8rsw085ohw

Mike Gillislee is clearly looking for a running lane in the A gap and Logan gave up no ground, getting some nice push. Gillislee had no choice but to try to bounce it outside. Justin Houston was there setting the edge, which led to a TFL. pic.twitter.com/smHsRdNU6o

Logan could play in base packages and in run situations, but he could make way for other players in pass rushing situations. The Bolts could rotate a different player in for pass rushing sets. Adding Logan will almost guarantee an improvement regarding run defense. The former LSU product has put up big time tackle numbers for a nose tackle over the course of his career, and that production would carry over to Gus Bradley’s defense.

The Chargers have a lot of defensive linemen with versatility to move up and down the defensive line, but their depth lacks playmakers, and there are questions regarding the future of Mebane and Corey Liuget, who are the focal points of the DL.

It’s hard to say an actual market value for Logan because he signed a one-year deal for $8 million last offseason with the Chiefs, but he probably won’t make as much yearly in a long-term deal. Ideally, Los Angeles could ink him to a three-year deal worth $6 million if they felt he was their guy.

Logan has proven to be instrumental the success of the L.A.’s defense and is a chess piece that the Chargers can use to overwhelm the middle of offensive lines. The 28-year old defensive tackle finished 2017 with 35 tackles (18 solo), one pass defensed and 1.5 sacks.